Description
A stress-free, elegant holiday appetizer featuring a wheel of brie topped with toasted pecans, butter, and honey. It looks expensive but is incredibly easy to make, requiring only about 20 minutes of total time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 wheel Brie cheese (8–10 oz / 225-280g)
- 1/2 cup pecans (60g), chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- Crackers, baguette slices, or fresh fruit for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the brie out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let cool, then chop coarsely.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, chopped pecans, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
- Place the brie wheel in a baking dish. Spread the pecan-butter mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently to adhere. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the brie is soft to the touch and jiggles slightly when shaken. Do not overbake.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Drizzle generously with honey. Add a flaky salt and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately with crackers or bread.
Notes
For best results, ensure the brie is at room temperature before baking to ensure even melting. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. If making ahead, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add 2-3 minutes to baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the wheel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: baked brie, holiday appetizer, honey pecan brie, easy appetizer, gluten-free appetizer, party food, cheese board